It was another of those quiet mornings on the lake, the surface so smooth. A good morning for the water fowl as well.
This mallard took off right in front of me. I was fortunate to be ready for the take-off.
![A mallard duck takes off.](http://orchestracampcolony.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mg_5751.jpg?w=604&resize=604%2C402)
I also had my first loon sighting of the season, a pair near the south end of the lake.
![First loon sighting of the season.](http://orchestracampcolony.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mg_5778.jpg?w=604&resize=604%2C402)
![A pair of loons on the lake](http://orchestracampcolony.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mg_5783a.jpg?w=604&resize=604%2C402)
A trio of merganzer ducks having a debate.
![Merganzer's debate](http://orchestracampcolony.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mg_5809.jpg?w=604&resize=604%2C402)
![What did you say?](http://orchestracampcolony.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mg_5810.jpg?w=604&resize=604%2C402)
And, of course, the turtles were sunning themselves on the logs. They are so nervous that is it hard to get good photos of them. They hear you coming, even in a quiet kayak, and slip into the water before you can get the camera ready. These two were a bit more obliging.
![Pair of turtles sunning themselves](http://orchestracampcolony.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mg_5826.jpg?w=604&resize=604%2C402)
![Sunning Turtle](http://orchestracampcolony.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mg_5831.jpg?w=604&resize=604%2C402)
What a great way to start the day! I hope yours is off to a good start, too.